The Whitsdom Press

Tag: fitness

  • Body Slamming Barriers: Black Women Who Paved the Way in Wrestling

    Professional wrestling has long been a realm of larger-than-life personas and athletic feats. But for Black women, this world has also been a battleground for representation and respect. Despite facing prejudice, these phenomenal athletes have persevered, not only showcasing their talent but also breaking down barriers for future generations.

    Let’s celebrate some of the pioneering Black women who carved a path in the squared circle:

    A Legacy of Strength: Before these titans, there was Ethel Johnson. In the 1950s, a young Ethel followed in the footsteps of her sister, Babs Wingo, who became the first Black woman to wrestle professionally. Trained by none other than the legendary Mildred Burke, Johnson honed her skills and entered the ring at a time when segregation was still prevalent. Competing across the country, Johnson became known for her quick, offensive style, a precursor to the high-flying moves popular today. Though championship glory may have eluded her, Johnson’s impact cannot be understated. Alongside her sisters, she added flavor and melanin to the sport (desegregated), inspiring future generations of Black women wrestlers.

    The W.I.N.G.S. Era (1990s): This all-female promotion, founded by African American wrestler Jackie Moore, took the wrestling world by storm. W.I.N.G.S. showcased the athleticism and storytelling prowess of Black female wrestlers, proving they deserved a dedicated platform.

    Today’s Powerhouses:

    1. Athena (Athena Paradise):

    • The Fallen Goddess: A veteran with a high-flying style and a rebellious attitude.
    • Across the Globe: Held championships in various promotions like AEW, Impact Wrestling, and Shimmer.
    • Technically Sound: Known for her smooth execution of complex maneuvers and innovative offense.

    2. Bianca Belair (Bianca Blair Crawford):

    • The EST (Everybody Still Talking): A charismatic powerhouse known for her incredible strength and athleticism.
    • WrestleMania Main Eventer: The first Black woman to headline WrestleMania, achieving a historic feat in 2021.
    • The EST of WWE: Has held both the Raw Women’s Championship and SmackDown Women’s Championship.

    3. Jade Cargill (Jade Brand):

    • The Natural: A dominant force with an impressive undefeated streak. Nicknamed “That B**tch” for her confident and brash persona.
    • Quick Rise: Though a relative newcomer, Cargill has rapidly climbed the ranks in AEW, capturing the TBS Championship.
    • Athletic Prowess: Her background in basketball translates to a powerful and agile wrestling style.

    The Future is Bright:

    Black women continue to push boundaries in wrestling. Wrestlers on independent circuits and smaller promotions are putting on phenomenal matches, demanding recognition for their talent.

    The impact of these Black women wrestlers is undeniable. They have not only entertained audiences with their athleticism and storytelling but also challenged preconceived notions about race and gender in the sport. I used to watch wrestling growing up (WWF/WWE, ECW, WCW) and there weren’t as many highlighted Black women in the wrestling industry. I am so happy and excited to see more black women on my TV in wrestling because it shows representation and strength. With the Baddies movement still roaring through the social media waves, it is good to see black women in wrestling are still relevant and rising.

    As wrestling continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Black women will continue to be a driving force, inspiring future generations of female athletes and redefining what it means to be a wrestling champion.

  • Kickstart Your Journey to a Healthier You in 2024: Tips for a Stronger Mind, Body, and Spirit

    The new year is a great opportunity to reflect on your goals, habits and lifestyle, and to make some positive changes that can improve your well-being. Whether you want to lose weight, reduce stress, boost your mood, or simply feel more energized, here are some tips on how to start 2024 out the right way on your path to a healthy mind, body and spirit.

    1. Eat well. Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and water can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent chronic diseases, and support your immune system. Try to avoid processed foods, added sugars, salt and alcohol, and eat mindfully by paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues.

    2. Move more. Physical activity is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. It can help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of diabetes and some cancers. It can also boost your mood, relieve stress, enhance your memory and cognitive function, and promote better sleep quality. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, and include some strength training and flexibility exercises as well.

    3. Sleep well. Sleep is essential for your mental and physical health, as it allows your body and brain to rest, repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can impair your immune system, increase inflammation, affect your mood and concentration, and increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. To improve your sleep hygiene, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed, limit screen time in the evening, create a comfortable and dark sleeping environment, and relax before bedtime with some meditation, reading or music.

    4. Manage stress. Stress is inevitable in life, but too much of it can have negative effects on your health and happiness. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, raise your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, disrupt your digestion and hormones, cause anxiety and depression, and interfere with your sleep and relationships. To cope with stress effectively, you need to identify the sources of stress in your life and find healthy ways to deal with them. Some examples are: practicing gratitude, positive thinking and affirmations; setting realistic and achievable goals; prioritizing and organizing your tasks; delegating or saying no when necessary; seeking social support from friends and family; engaging in hobbies and leisure activities; meditating or doing yoga; breathing deeply or doing progressive muscle relaxation; or seeking professional help if needed.

    5. Nurture your spirit. Your spiritual health is about finding meaning, purpose and connection in life. It can help you cope with challenges, overcome adversity, and achieve personal growth. There are many ways to nurture your spirit, depending on your beliefs and values. Some examples are: following a faith or religion; praying or attending a service; reading inspirational books or quotes; listening to uplifting music or podcasts; volunteering or donating to a cause; spending time in nature or with animals; expressing yourself creatively through art or writing; or joining a community or group that shares your interests.

    In conclusion, the start of a new year is a great time to focus on improving your health and well-being. By incorporating some of the tips we discussed in this blog post, such as setting achievable goals, making small changes to your lifestyle, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals, you can work towards becoming a healthier and happier version of yourself in 2024. Remember to prioritize self-care, listen to your body, and celebrate your progress along the way. 
    Here’s to a healthier you in the new year!